We’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on one of the first batches of Shimano’s 2010 Deore groupsets, so here’s the lowdown on the entry-level mountain bike group in the big S’s range.

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The new Deore has benefited heavily from trickle-down technology from the higher end componentry in the company’s stable, from the new Shadow rear derailleur, a hinged open-clamp design for faster/easier installation and the new easier to bleed disc brakes. We’re expecting this stuff to be very popular both for the improvements made, and with the ‘current economic crisis’ forcing riders to consider kit at the less high-end of the scale.

Ok, so let’s have a gander.

Here’s the Shadow rear derailleur with its new low profile design – which should help reduce the risk of smashing it up on a mid-trail rock, tree or other obstacle.

Rear shadow mech:Paul Smith

Deore – M592 shadow – black – top normal – £49.99

Shimano claim that the mech also has increased spring tension to deliver a more crisp shift, something we’ll be testing as soon as these are fitted to a bike. Weighing in at a claimed 286g, that’s a saving of 28g over last year’s M531 mech.

If you’ve ever had trouble with bleeding previous models of Deore disc brakes, then you’re going to like the new M595 calipers with their one way oil routing system. The internals have been rearranged to reduce the build up of air in the system when bleeding, thus reducing maintenance time.

The new hydraulic disc brake levers have some really useful improvements including a hinged open clamp fitting for quick installation and removal. The reach adjust for the lever can now be dialled by hand – a direct trickle down from SLX and XT, and the lever has been reshaped for optimal one or two-finger braking. The hose angles have been tweaked to give a neater look too.

The 9 speed rapidfire shifters have been redesigned for comfort and ease of use, they now also feature two-way shifting – like the more expensive shifters. Shimano have also fiddled with the internals too for more accurate and crisp shifting.

Shifters:Paul Smith

Deore – M590 shifters will set you back £59.99

The new two-piece chainset uses Shimano’s Hyperdrive system (spikes and teeth on the chainrings) to improve performance. The chainset has been on a diet too with the introduction of a new alloy outer ring.